In an interesting and successful change to the usual ‘public lecture’ format, Mervyn Davies, Chair of the University’s Council interviewed David Miliband in front of an audience of staff and students, who then had the opportunity to ask questions of the former Foreign Secretary.

In conversation with Mervyn Davies, David Miliband talked candidly about his life and career. Mr Miliband, who was tipped to be a future Prime Minister but has now stepped aside from front-line politics, was Foreign Secretary from 2007 to 2010, and was Secretary of State for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs before that.

Mr Miliband discussed his views on world affairs, the current situation in North Africa and the Middle East, his defeat by brother, Ed, for the Labour leadership, as well as matters outside politics. He has recently become Vice-Chair of Sunderland FC.

NEWSLETTERTHE LATEST NEWS FOR ALL UNIVERSITY STAFF May 2011

InsIde ThIs Issue Bangor unIversITy’s fIrsT scIence fesTIval, healTh & WellBeIng, aWards & developmenTs.

davId mIlIBand In conversaTIon

neW felloWsPoets, singers and rugby players - a true representation of Wales some might say! They are among the individuals set to receive Honorary Fellowships during the Degree Ceremonies held between 9 and 15 July this year.The individuals are:Duffy: singer who was born in Bangor and brought up in Nefyn in Gwynedd. Her 2008 debut album Rockferry entered the UK album chart at No 1 and went on to sell 1.7M copies. She has recently starred in her 1st film, Patagonia. For services to Music.Paul Feeney: Bangor graduate and leading international investment strategist with BNY Mellon Asset Management. For services to the financial services industry.John Herbert, Earl of Powis: a descendant of the Welsh-born poet, George Herbert, and also a descendant of the first President of Bangor University. A former university teacher and researcher, he has collaborated extensively with academics in the University’s School of English. For services to scholarship and literary studies.

Julian Lewis Jones: Anglesey-born film and TV actor who starred in the 2009 Clint Eastwood film, Invictus, and in numerous TV dramas, including The Bill, Casualty, Holby City and Spooks – as well as Caerdydd, and Tipyn o Stad on S4C. For services to drama.Rhys Jones, MBE: teacher, conductor, accompanist, compere and broadcaster For services to Music & the Community.Professor Laura McAllister: Professor of Governance at Liverpool University and a leading authority on Welsh politics; Laura McAllister is also a former Wales football international (24 caps), and Chair of the Sports Council for Wales. For services to Sport in Higher Education.Professor Gwyn Thomas: Bangor graduate, former Professor of Welsh at the University, poet and literary critic. National Poet of Wales in 2006/7. For services to Welsh literature.Shane Williams: Welsh international rugby player, World Player of the Year in 2008, and Wales’s record try scorer. For services to sport.

2

Bangor’s BeIjIng offIce The UK’s Ambassador to China,

Sebastian Wood CMG and the Director An Yuxiang of the Chinese Services

Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) were among dignitaries joining Bangor’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor John G Hughes in officially opening an office in Beijing, China recently.

The event also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CSCSE and Bangor University.

In his introduction Professor Hughes said “Bangor is well established as a destination of choice for Chinese students and China forms a key part of Bangor’s strategy to recruit 20% of its students from overseas.” However the underlying theme of the event was not one of recruitment but partnership. Bangor’s commitment was illustrated by the agreement with CSCSE that was signed at the same event. Professor Hughes said “Partnership is the way forward and that is not just in the terms of student recruitment and exchange but in areas such as research collaboration and quality assurance. These partnerships need to be underpinned by deep, trusting relationships and joint activities.”

In his address Ambassador Wood took up the partnership theme saying, “The Prime Ministers of both China and the UK have recently confirmed their commitment to a ‘Partnership for Growth’ in which they will contribute to each others development strategies.” He congratulated Bangor on the establishment of its Beijing office saying “I am confident that it will lead to a further deepening of Bangor’s relationships with its Chinese partners to mutual benefit.”

While in China, a team of senior academics and administrators headed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John G. Hughes also visited leading Chinese Universities.

The fact that heads of School from Law, Psychology, Creative Studies & Media and the Business School were involved in the visits, as well as senior staff from Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, showed that Bangor was determined to actively pursue cooperation and partnerships in China, commented Prof. Hughes.

In addition to very promising visits and discussions Bangor is pleased to announce that during this visit to China agreements

have been signed with Shanghai University, China University of Political Science and Law and the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics. Dr Xinyu Wu, Bangor’s Director of International

Development said “These agreements are a tangible measure of Bangor’s increasingly international outlook and we hope that they are the first of many in the coming years.”

Ambassador Wood chats with Prof John G. Hughes.

Vice Chancellor Prof John G. Hughes with the Director of the Beijing Office, Luna Wu.

3

These images show the flexibility within the main auditorium, presented in traditional ‘proscenium’ arrangement, and as a venue space with seating removed.

New ‘architect’s impressions’ of the internal views of some of the new Pontio Arts & Innovation Centre have

been created. The Centre, which is funded by £27.5m

from the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Union, will include a main auditorium theatre (pictured) with capacity for between 450-550 seats, a cinema space, a studio theatre and an outdoor amphitheatre. As well as teaching and social learning spaces, it will also provide exciting new social facilities including bars, dining and park areas where people can meet, learn and be entertained.

Pontio Chief Executive, Robert O’Dowd said: “The Main Auditorium is designed to be totally flexible which will allow it to be used for a variety of different uses.  The cinema will provide a full, modern movie-going experience and will seat approximately 200 people. Again the studio theatre will be a flexible space that can seat up to 200 people in a variety of configurations. The main lecture theatre will be a fully state of the art lecture theatre that can seat approximately 450 people.”

Work on the site is progressing well, with the building set to open in 2013.

ponTIo programmeAs construction continues on Deiniol Road, Pontio announces its exciting new events programme in May, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained over the Summer period.

Drop into the Royal Victoria Hotel in Menai Bridge on 22 May for a Blues night of real pedigree with Mud Morganfield – son of

legendary Muddy Waters; or come to one of our community-programmed Friday Film evenings, with screenings throughout June of Black Swan, The Kids Are All Right and Africa United.

With a Saturday Morning Kids’ Club in July and two childrens’ dramas, there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied – not forgetting Bangor

Carnival on 11 June, where Pontio will be bringing colourful circus performers to the mix.

On top of all of this, we’ll also be unveiling another fantastic mural on the fences surrounding the Pontio site in July – this time artwork created by children working with local digital artists Surgery DAR.

Looking towards Autumn, Pontio is planning a spectacular street festival for September featuring Luminarium – a giant sensory installation on Bangor’s Bowling Green – and the Sarruga theatre company, who will be bringing dramatic animated creatures to the City for a carnival-inspired parade.

To keep in touch or find our more, visit the Pontio website at: www.pontio.co.uk or email us at: info@pontio.co.uk. You can also find us on Facebook (search ‘Pontio fan page’) or follow us on Twitter (search ‘PontioBangor’).

INSIDE PONTIO

Mud Morganfield

44

The organisers of Bangor Science Festival were delighted with the success of the first Science festival of its kind to have been arranged by Bangor University. “The original idea for the festival grew from a Schools Event we ran for the first time last year, called Ecosciece Day. The event was so popular we decided to hold it again, but increase it to two days in order to offer more schools the chance to experience the unique event. Eco Science day brings together all the sciences offered at Bangor University under the Eco umbrella. Bangor Science Festival was built around these two days which were timed to coincide with National Science and Engineering week. The programme of events throughout the week was exactly what we had aimed for,” said Dr Rosanna Robinson, College teaching Co-ordinator at the College of Natural Sciences and one of the event co-ordinators.

“We had so many people wanting to get involved from all over the University it was great to be able to put on so many

different and interesting events based around the three themes of this years National Science and Engineering Week, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Communication.” explained Stevie Scanlan, College Marketing Manager at the College of Physical & Applied Sciences and also one of the event co-ordinators.

Another events co-ordinator Kirsty Thomson, Major Gifts Officer in the Development and Alumni Relations Office said: “We were really pleased with the very generous response we had from local business too. We had sponsorship from Waitrose and Greenwood Forest Park/ Gelli Gyffwrdd as well as Magnox, Energy Solutions and Horizon at Wylfa and support from Careers Wales. Further funding was provided by Bangor University alumnus and inventor of the electronic breathalyser, Dr Tom Parry Jones.”

The week saw a huge array of science-related events being arranged. The Festival opened with a debate on science with the Science Advisor for Wales, Professor John

Harries. Schools events and competitions, open days at Henfaes, the Prince Madog and Treborth Botanic Gardens (with Iolo Williams) and the Cancer Research Institute, were well attended. A Women in Science conference, a Night at the Museum, lectures from eminent scientists, laboratory openings and research centre launches, guided geological walks through Snowdonia and a science-careers café, were also popular, not to mention the fringe events. The team of three hopes to build on the festival next year and add events to the programme and get even more people involved and interested in science.

All the competition winners can be seen on the BSF web site www.bangor.ac.uk/bangorsciencefestival

Anyone who is interested in getting involved in Bangor Science Festival 2012 (9th – 18th March) should contact the Bangor Science Festival team at bsf@bangor.ac.uk and also see the web site for details as they happen.

Bangor’s fIrsT scIence fesTIval

Some of the school visitors to the EcoScience day (Above and below- right).

Television presenter and naturalist Iolo Williams, who made a guest apperance in the Wild Science event.

Some of the Bangor Science Festival Competition winners who came to see their work displayed at Bangor Museum and Gallery, with competition sponsors Stephen and Andrea Bristow of the Greenwod Centre and Mayor Cllr Dorothy Bulled.

55

Bangor University has honoured one of its most prestigious graduates by naming a laboratory in his honour.

The Robert Edwards Laboratory is the University’s newly refurbished biomedical laboratory in the School of Biological Sciences and is named in honour of the winner of the 2010 Nobel Prize for Physiology & Medicine.

Born in Batley, Yorkshire in 1925, Robert Edwards graduated with a degree in Zoology from Bangor University in 1951. He studied under leading Bangor University Professor Rogers Brambell, who inspired him with an enthusiasm for mammals.

Present at the naming ceremony – which took place during the Bangor Science Festival - was Professor Edwards’ wife, Dr Ruth Edwards, and their daughter, Dr Jenny Joy.

Dr Ruth Edwards said: “My husband is delighted that his old University wishes to recognise his achievements in naming one of its key biology facilities after him and wishes the Biomedical Laboratory every success in the future. It gives me great pleasure to name this laboratory the Robert Edwards Laboratory.”

“Bangor University has retained its connections with Robert Edwards over the years, and he became an Honorary Fellow of the University in 1989. He made medical history, and we are extremely

proud and pleased to be able to recognise his achievements, and to associate him in this way with the important work currently being done in Biomedical Science in Bangor,” said Professor David Shepherd, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research & Enterprise at Bangor University.

The Robert Edwards Laboratories were refurbished with support from the Welsh Assembly Government Biosciences, Environment and Agriculture Alliance Project. They support postgraduate research and post- and undergraduate teaching which represent a key part of Bangor University’s commitment to biomedical research and education following in the tradition of Robert Edwards.

aThena sWan launch durIng scIence WeeKAs part of the recent Science Week, the Human Resources Department arranged the Women in Science Conference, attracting over a hundred staff and post-graduate students. The aim of the event was to launch Bangor’s commitment to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter and to celebrate women in science, while providing some useful learning and career development ideas for women working in science in Bangor.

The event was chaired by Prof Sian Hope who led the day’s discussions and introduced three excellent speakers. The first speaker Damini Kumar, an international expert in product design, creative thinking and design thinking who is a European Ambassador for Creativity and Innovation. She spoke about how to be more creative and innovative in the workplace. The second presentation was given by Prof Laura Green of Warwick University who gave a very well received talk about balancing an academic career with raising a family. The final talk was given by Prof Averil Mcdonald a Professor of Science Communication, who has won numerous awards and has appeared many times on television and radio. She gave the audience many tips and ideas to support career development.

There was also an opportunity for staff to give their opinion about how they can be best supported by the University.

Prof Sian Hope said ‘the response to the event was excellent and it provided a very solid platform for future developments in this area’.

A group, Chaired by Prof Sian Hope, has now been established with staff representatives from the Colleges and some departments to advise and promote developments to support women in science in Bangor and to advise on the Athena SWAN award application. What is the Athena SWAN award?The Athena SWAN Charter recognises and celebrates good employment practice for women working in science, engineering and technology (SET) in higher education and research. Prof Sian Hope said “although it would be great to be recognised for developments in this area in the University, what we really hope to get from joining Athena SWAN is a best practice framework to support and enable us to learn from and work with other Institutions in this area.” 54 universities and institutes across the UK are members of Athena SWAN. For more information go to the following web site: www.athenaswan.org.uk

Dr Ruth Edwards and daughter, Dr Jenny Joy at the naming of the Robert Edwards Laboratory.

Bangor unIversITy honours noBel prIze- WInnIng graduaTe

Bangor’s fIrsT scIence fesTIval

Involved in the Science debate were: Dr Iestyn Pierce, John Idris Jones (Magnox), Dr Raj Parry-Jones, Dr Tom Parry-Jones, Prof. Sian Hope, Prof Terry Hewitt, Prof. John Harries, Adam Walton (BBC Radio Wales presenter), Prof. David Shepherd, James Ingram, Michelle Humphreys (Magnox).

6

aWard for eXcellence

6

A presentation evening was held in December, hosted by the Registrar, Dr David Roberts, to present the Award for Excellence to members of University staff. The purpose of this award is to recognise and reward outstanding achievement or service by members of the support staff of the University.

Submissions had been made by heads of Schools and Departments. This year the panel decide to award four members of staff all of whom were recognised as special:

Noor Al-Zubaidi, Student Records Officer, Academic Registry

The Registrar in his speech mentioned that Noor’s nomination stated that she “had been a tireless supporter of both her colleagues and the student population of the University”.

This is what the nominations said about the other winning members of staff:

Clive Jones, Assistant Maintenance Manager, Estates Department – “worthy recognition of the excellent role being undertaken especially for having a ‘can do’ and ‘will do’ attitude.

Diane Moreland, Systems Support Technician, IT Services – “Diane is someone who will help, and someone who will find solutions to problems – she exemplifies the qualities we look for in our very best support staff”.

Ian Nicholls, Workshop Supervisor in the School of Ocean Sciences “It is not often that a single person can take the most abstract description or awful scribbled drawings from academics, technical staff and students and expertly turn them into real functioning objects. ….The point is no matter how confusing we are, Ian has never failed to surprise us with the quality of his work and his positive ‘can do’ attitude”.

The Award for Excellence is awarded to support staff who have demonstrated outstanding service significantly above and beyond what is required in their role or contained in the individual’s objectives for that year, or have made a particular contribution which is judged to be excellent, which is consistent with the University’s objectives and had had a significant impact on the life and work of the University. Each received a cheque for £1000. Further information on the award is available from Ruth Goggin, Senior Assistant Registrar, Registrar’s Office.

During the evening Long Service Awards were also presented to the following members of staff, who also received vouchers to the value of £100 for a store of their choice.

Mr Leonard Roberts – Ocean Sciences – 40 Years ServiceMrs Alison Bell – Biological Sciences – 40 Years Service Professor David M Taylor – Electronic Engineering – 40 Years ServiceMrs Gwenno Hewitt – Catering – 40 Years Service Professor Anthony David Brown – English – 39 Years ServiceMr Charles Brimecombe – Estates – 38 Years ServiceMr Gwynne Parry Jones – Ocean Sciences – 38 Years ServiceAnd Ms Mieko Yamaguchi, who was unable to attend the event– Library- 40 years service

Receiving Long Service Awards were, left- right: Alison Bell, Charles Brimacombe, Gwenno Hewitt, Professor Martin Taylor, Gwynne Parry Jones, Leonard Roberts, and Professor Tony Brown. (Mieko Yamaguchi not pictured.)

eXcellenT TeachIngDr Adzar Karami of the Bangor Business School has been awarded a Teaching Fellowship for his excellent contribution to teaching and student care. Head of College, Prof Phil Molyneux said “I’m delighted that he’s been awarded a teaching Fellowship as he’s highly regarded by students and staff alike.”

Receiving Excellence Awards were, left -right: Noor Al-Zubaidi, Ian Nicholls, Diane Moreland and Clive Jones.

7

Bangor University is redoubling its commitment to the Welsh language, under the leadership of new Vice-Chancellor,

Professor John G. Hughes.One of the Vice Chancellor’s first actions

was to appoint Mr Wyn Thomas as Pro Vice-Chancellor with specific responsibility for the Welsh Medium and Civic Engagement. Wyn Thomas’ main role in the new post will be to develop and lead the University’s strategies for furthering the Welsh language, bilingualism, and Welsh medium study, as well as to develop the University’s relationship with external organisations and the community. In this respect, he will be taking an active part in the development of the PONTIO project.

The University has also welcomed the news that the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (the new national institution for the development of Welsh medium education and scholarship at universities in Wales) has awarded nine academic posts and five PhD scholarships to Bangor University for the next academic year.

The awards acknowledge the leading role that Bangor University is expected to take as the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol comes into existence in September 2011. Through this new investment, which is worth half a million pounds per annum over the next five years, the University will be able to develop its Welsh medium provision to a greater extent than ever before.

The nine posts have been awarded on the basis of successful bids outlining plans to develop Welsh medium provision across a wide range

of subjects. As a result of the awards, students at Bangor and other institutions can now look forward to a number of new modules and Welsh medium developments in subjects as varied as French, Chemistry, Popular Music, Music for Film, Psychology, Social Policy, Social Work, Nursing and Environmental Studies.

The awards are funded for up to five years and the appointed staff are expected to be in post by September 2011. In addition to teaching and developing Welsh medium provision in their specialist fields, the new post holders will be expected to contribute to the intellectual life of Wales through research, enabling collaborative work with other universities and promoting the language within their subject area and the institution.

In addition to the nine posts, by securing five PhD scholarships for 2011/12, the University has also shown that it has an eye on the future

and the need to foster the next generation of academics and scholars. In addition to their research, the holders of the PhD scholarships which have been awarded in Accounting, Psychology, Welsh and Technology, Social Policy and Health Sciences, will also gradually undertake Welsh medium teaching duties.

Welcoming the awards, Professor John G. Hughes, Vice-Chancellor of the University said: “The University is totally committed to playing a leading role in the development of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol while maintaining its status as the main provider of Welsh medium higher education. The nine posts that have been awarded to Bangor are part of the University’s wider strategy to enhance its Welsh medium provision. The new appointments will be a valuable addition to the substantial body of staff already innovating in the delivery of Welsh medium higher education at Bangor.”

The Extremes Research Group at the School of Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences (http://extremes.bangor.ac.uk) held an open lecture on their research recently. The talk discussed broadly how humans face the challenge of extreme environments.

Dr Neil Walsh, the director of the recently formed group, kicked off proceedings with discussion of the beneficial effects of nutritional supplementation during the arduous training completed by soldiers at Brecon barracks. Dr Matt Fortes then discussed fascinating research which suggests a simple measurement made on tear fluid can be used to indicate how hydrated you are. This was followed by evidence presented by Dr Jonathon Moore which outlined how sleep disruption can alter vascular health. Dr Sam Oliver discussed on-going research with Bethesda based business, Blizzard Survival, which aims

to provide guidance on how to best protect individuals from cold stress, such as while a casualty awaits rescue from a mountainous environments like Snowdonia. This was followed by more mountain research, this time from the Himalayas, presented by Dr Jamie Macdonald, identifying how common cold symptoms are linked and aggravate mountain sickness. Finally Drs. Gavin Lawrence and Stewart Laing, outlined how some simple psycho-physiological measures might be used to monitor and

prescribe training for optimal performance in Elite athletes.

The group have also been involved in two television programmes recently:“Bang Goes the Weather” on BBC1 and S4C’s “Ras yn Erbyn Amser”.

To be added to the research Group email list to receive notice of future research seminars or for a more informal discussions of their research, please contact Dr Neil Walsh (n.walsh@bangor.ac.uk).

eXTreme research

7

Bangor pushes ahead WITh Welsh language developmenTs

Left to right are: Dr Stewart Laing, Dr Jamie Macdonald, Dr Neil Walsh, Dr Gavin Lawrence, Dr Matthew Fortes, Dr Jonathan Moore and Dr Sam Oliver.

Mr Wyn Thomas. Welsh medium studies.

8

8

REMAINING HEALTHY AT WORKBecause we spend so much of our life at

work it makes sense to use some of this time to invest in our present and future

health. Over the past 3 years a programme of staff health checks has been delivered by the occupational health practitioner at the University’s Health & Safety Services, to help those that attend to prevent avoidable illnesses. Attendance is voluntary and the only records kept are by those who attend who then take away their results in a booklet that provides health promotion information.

Health checks aim to reduce the risk of significant illnesses including heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, bowel cancer and gender specific illness. The health check programme is designed to be relevant to the area where people work and is accompanied by a health promotion initiative - those working in psychology were supported by the university catering service who organised a healthy eating food festival. Those in chemistry were treated to fitness session in Maes Glas and those in SENRGY have access to a lunch time Tai Chi. (photographed)  In April 2010 ‘sick notes’ were replaced in the UK with medical statements of fitness for work. The new approach is designed to support an earlier and more successful return to work from sick leave. To ensure the success of this new scheme at the University, considerable effort has been made to forge close links with

local GPs and develop pathways to return to work from sick leave based on the experience of staff.

Health & Safety Services have a developed a web page that staff have contributed to: http://www.bangor.ac.uk/hss/wellness/pathways-sick-leave.php and have presented their work to the President of the Royal College of General Practitioners as an example of best practice.

no smoKIngOn National No Smoking Day in March, translator, Helen Kallopie Smith joined Joe Patton, Occupational Health Advisor at the Main Arts Foyer to highlight the benefits of stopping smoking to those visiting the stand. Helen has also provided a pod-broadcast of her experience in kicking the habit that can be listened to on http://www.bangor.ac.uk/hss/wellness/nosmokingday2011.php.en     

maes glas sporTs & leIsureMaes Glas has recently invested £18,000 in a variety of new PRECOR fitness equipment. We are delighted to announce the introduction of three new cardio bikes, one new treadmill, one Functional glide (cable) machine and two Advanced Motion Trainers. The new state of the art Motion Trainers combine leg and arm actions for a great all over work out. The actions vary from a climbing action, to short strides similar to walking, midrange similar to stepping and long strides similar to running. This machine is designed to give you one of the best all over cardiovascular workouts on the market. Try it and decide yourself. You won't be disappointed!

Remember as well as an optional monthly membership, Maes Glas also operates a pay as you go system. So the flexibility is all yours!

Vicky Gottwald, a member of staff at Maes Glas and PhD student, has been selected for the Senior Welsh Women’s basketball squad to compete in the European Championships next year. Vicky also won the Llew Rees award last year, for raising the profile of Bangor University through sporting success. We wish you the very best of luck!

healTh and WellBeIng

STAFF SPoRTING SUCCESS

99

On the back of the recent statistics that show that Bangor has increased its undergraduate applications by 21 %

compared with an increase of 3% amongst its competitor group, comes news that Bangor’s Marketing team has been shortlisted for the Euro RSCG Heist’s Marketing Department of the Year award.

Alan Parry, Director of Corporate Communications & Marketing says: “These annual awards are the principal awards for the HE marketing sector, so I’m delighted that the University has been nominated. Achieving national recognition is well-deserved, and is independent evidence of the skill and

dedication of every member of staff involved in marketing the University.

“Although we only have a small team, it is very dedicated and works tirelessly on behalf of the University. Our success is very much the result of a team effort, and every single individual involved should be very proud of their achievement.

Carys Roberts, head of Student Recruitment said: “We’re responsible for a wide range of marketing and recruitment activities, and being shortlisted for this award is recognition of the energy, skill and expertise that we try to bring to all of our work’.

The successful submission for the award outlined the Marketing team’s contribution to key University objectives, such as increasing student numbers and widening access. It also highlighted particular achievements over the past year – such as the University website being named as one of the best in the UK for prospective students, a campaign centred around Radio 1’s Big Weekend being held in Bangor, introducing a new CRM system, rebranding the University and attracting more visitors to University Open Days.

The results will be announced at an event in May.  

MARKETING SUCCESS

Staff attended a prestigious Times Higher Awards ceremony recently as the University’s Peer Guide Scheme was shortlisted for the Outstanding Student Support Category. Representing the Peer Guiding Scheme at Bangor were (left-right):

Professor Colin Baker, PVC Teaching & Learning; Maria Graal, Director of Student Experience; Kim Davies, Peer Guide Coordinator; Sheila McCabe, School of Psychology; Jaco Baas, School of Ocean Sciences and Sarah Wale, Business School, (representing Peer Guide coordinators at the Colleges); Vice Chancellor, Professor John G. Hughes and Dr David Roberts, the Registrar.

HEFCW, the organisation that funds Welsh Universities has recently announced an overall cut in teaching

and research funding of 5.1% across Wales. The cuts are roughly on a par with those facing English universities.

The impact on Bangor will be a reduction of 7.1% of the HEFCW grant which equates to £2.2m, which is broadly in line with our

financial projections. Bangor University’s Vice-Chancellor John G.

Hughes views it as a challenging settlement, made in a difficult financial climate.

“The University is well positioned to meet the challenges ahead, and although this budget settlement will be difficult I am confident that we will be able to deal with this reduction without impacting on the quality

of our provision for students. Staff should be reassured that we had already taken a cut of this size into account in our financial projections,” said Professor Hughes.

Bangor receives a few other minor grants from HEFCW not within the scope of the grant letter, but in addition to the reductions above HEFCW has indicated that there will also be no capital funding for 2011/12 onwards.

meeTIng The challenge

aWard shorTlIsT

10

e-BooKs aT Bangor’s lIBrary

10

You might have seen glossy adverts encouraging you to buy one of the new electronic book readers. Currently being

advertised as the latest ‘must have’ or ideal gift, they are said to be about to supplant the book and provide us with a personal portable library of our own.

However, e-books have already arrived at Bangor University library and, what’s more, students don’t need to own any special device to have access to them.

The Library has also trialled a new method of purchasing electronic books which has proved a success from a number of perspectives. Details of over 38,000 e-book titles were added to the Library catalogue so that students can read them online or download and print selected parts. One of the benefits of e-books is that they are available to students at any time and at any location with internet access.

The new purchasing system is driven by use. The Library was able to add titles to the catalogue, in a novel agreement that enabled

them to pay a ‘rental’, much like borrowing a DVD, for the first three loans, and then purchase the title outright. If no one requests a title on the catalogue, then there is no need for the University to pay.

“This brings fantastic benefits for both our users and the Library” says Mieko Yamaguchi, Head of Collection Management at the Library. “It sits well with National Assembly vision for higher education offering flexible, accessible and learner centred provision. E-book purchase is absolutely driven by user needs, and provides students and other library users with access to titles remotely, so that they can study without needing to travel to Bangor, or to access the stock only during opening hours, for example,” she explains.

“There are also benefits for the University, which only needs to purchase those e-books that are popular with users. Once purchased, they don’t present a storage problem. That means that we are not limiting the shelf life of our existing collections to make room for new purchases,” she adds.

The award of a grant of £6,600 from the Welsh Assembly Government, part of a £2.8 million package to develop the work of libraries, museums and archives throughout Wales, will research this model further, with the aim of seeing whether there could be a model for e-books libraries, driven by user choice and shared throughout Welsh higher education institutions.

This should bring about both savings and a wider choice for Welsh students.

Maria Graal, Director of Student Experience, commented on the proposed study: “Providing the widest range of sources for our students’ research is not only critical to the academic mission of our universities, but is integral to the high quality university experience expected by today’s students.  The purchasing of e-books on a demand-driven basis has the potential to be cost-effective whilst providing the breadth of choice required to support learner autonomy and increase levels of student satisfaction.”

archIve open day

The Archive Open Day was a great success with numerous visitors, from among the public, students, staff and University Council members visiting the Archive.

Among the items on display were historic signatures of Elizabeth I, Florence Nightingale and Charles Darwin, medieval manuscripts and rare books, as well as tithe maps of Bangor and other interesting artefacts.

Bangor resident Thomas Benson said that he hoped to visit the Archive again in the future to find out more about the history of Bangor Pier, while student Emma Faraone, who is studying English and Media said that the collection was amazing and “provided tiny windows into someone’s life”.

University Council member, Elinor Bennett said she was “marvelling at the treasures that are here”. Members of staff and University Council pour over documents at the Archive Open Day.

An illuminated page from the Bangor

Pontifical.

A photograph from a collection taken by John Murray Thomas of the first Welsh settlers in Patagonia.

11

Bangor University’s conference and catering service has recently strengthened its team by appointing award winning Executive

Chef Bruno Bessonies. Paris trained, and following positions with Selfridges, Manchester United as well as The Midland Hotel Manchester, to name but a few of the appointments he has held, Bruno Bessonies has already made an impact.

Bronze Winner Bruno Bessonies has been awarded the bronze trophy in the final of the TUCO University Chef of the Year award, which took place in Blackpool recently.

The competition enables higher education chefs to showcase their culinary talents, by designing a menu that is attractive and appealing using set ingredients, so imagination and talent are a must.

Competition was stiff in the finals, with chefs from York, Keele, Cambridge, Derby, Leeds, Stamford and Exeter universities, all vying for recognition and an award. This was Bruno’s first attempt in the Chef of the Year competition and he was delighted to have been placed so highly among such talented peers.

Bruno said “The standard of craftsmanship was incredibly high and I was delighted to have reached the final, let alone be placed third!”

The awards were announced in front of a gala dinner attended by approximately 300 people, including master chef Brian Mellor.

Bruno wins £100, a trophy, certificate and a set of knives.

Along with the catering management team, Bruno has created new delivered catering menus for Bwyd@Bangor and is busy working on wedding menus, being unveiled at Easter. Only the freshest ingredients are used and are locally sourced where possible. Delivered catering is made fresh in house on a daily basis, so you always know you’re getting the best quality on delivered service.

Bruno said his aim is to “build on Bangor University’s reputation of locally sourced, healthy and wholesome food creations”, while injecting some of his own creative flair! The changes have also reached Bar Uno where the menu has been transformed, with staff and students alike, full of praise for the tasty and modestly priced new food offer.

Bruno says he is also excited to be part of the re-design of the Teras Café in Main Arts, which will be developed over the next few months.

faIrTrade forTnIghT

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neW chefneW menusBIg ImpacT!

Bwyd@Bangor recently held 3 successful Fairtrade Fortnight events. The students enjoyed a Wine and Cheese event in Bar Uno, followed by a Fairtrade Pudding evening while University Staff indulged in a Fairtrade Pudding Club in Terrace Room 3, Main Arts. Executive Chef

Bruno Bessonies crafted some seriously indulgent desserts and participants took away recipe cards to attempt to recreate the puddings at home.

It’s hoped that the Staff Pudding Club will become a regular event.

Bruno Bessonies competing in the final of the TUCO University Chef of the Year Competition.

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Newsletter is published by the Corporate Communications & Marketing Department, Bangor University. Items for inclusion in the next edition of Newsletter should be sent to the Editor: Elinor Elis-Williams, Bangor University, e-mail: press@bangor.ac.uk . © Bangor University. Please contact the Editor for permission to reproduce any article. Updated University news can be found at www.bangor.ac.uk/news

The autumn and spring Telethons this year have been a great success in raising money for the Annual Fund at Bangor.

The Development & Alumni Relations team at Corporate Communications & Marketing would like to extend their most grateful thanks to all the University’s kind donors.

Each campaign saw a team of around 35 current students calling alumni to update them on developments at Bangor, chat about their time at the University, hear feedback on the services provided to the alumni and ask for donations for the Annual Fund.

The Annual Fund helps Bangor provide its students with the best educational experience available, supported by outstanding facilities and services. It supports a wide range of programmes and activities. These include Student Support, through scholarship and bursary awards and hardship grants, Campus Improvement and Welsh Medium Provision Support.

Not only does the Telethon raise vital funds for Bangor University, it has also proved to be very useful in enabling some of the student callers to find interesting and relevant work placements and make vital networking links with some of the alumni they speak to during the course of the campaign.

fundraIsIng success BucKs gloomy economIc clImaTe

‘TIme for a cuppa’ caKe sale Dementia researchers at the Demen-

tia Services Development Centre, Wales (DSDC Wales) baked cakes to

fund-raise for vital services for people with dementia and their carers. The researchers from the DSDC Wales and the National In-stitute for Social Care and Health Research Clinical Research Centre, (NISCHR CRC), both based in Ardudwy on the Normal site, organised a Time for a Cuppa cake sale and invited all to come along. Those who attended were also given a chance to complete a crossword specially developed for the event in partnership with The Times newspaper, for the chance to win a luxury hamper.

Time for a Cuppa is a nationwide campaign to raise money, and awareness, for the charity Dementia UK a national charity (formerly known as ‘for dementia’) which runs the national help-line ‘Admiral Nursing Direct’ specialist dementia nurses offering both practical and emotional support to people affected by dementia (0845 257 9406). The day was a huge success and everyone was very generous with their donations. So far £200.52 has been raised to contribute to the nationwide target. Professor Bob Woods, who is a patron of Dementia UK, thanked everyone who came for supporting such a worthy cause, and Kat Algar for once again organising the event.

(L-R) Kat Algar, Brenda Ellis, and Katie Salisbury from DSDC Wales stand behind the cakes Top: a closer look at some of the tempting cakes on offer.

The current ‘Telethon campaign’ team